On this tour, we will take a journey through time and explore Roman Lisbon, Christian Lisbon, and modern Lisbon. We will visit the best viewpoints, sample the local cuisine, and experience the daily life of the city.
It will be an honor for Tours and Champagne to be your companion on this very special day.
Eduardo VII Park is one of the largest and most iconic urban parks in Lisbon, offering visitors a blend of nature, history, and breathtaking views over the city and the Tagus River. Located in central Lisbon, the park was inaugurated in 1903 in honor of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, who visited Portugal in 1902, strengthening the ties between the two countries.
Without a doubt, Eduardo VII Park is one of Lisbon’s most beloved and representative green spaces, providing locals and tourists with an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, well-kept gardens, and spectacular views, the park is ideal for those looking to relax, enjoy outdoor activities, or simply make the most of a sunny day in Lisbon. If you are in the city, a visit to Eduardo VII Park is highly recommended to experience the best of Portugal’s nature and urban culture.
Lisbon Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Lisbon or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maior, is one of the city’s most iconic and historic buildings, serving as the main religious temple of Portugal’s capital. With a history dating back to the 12th century, the cathedral is one of the most visited and significant monuments in the city, valued not only for its religious importance but also for its architectural richness, which reflects the various phases of Lisbon’s history.
Lisbon Cathedral was founded in 1150, shortly after the city was conquered by Christian reconquerors under the command of King Afonso Henriques of Portugal. The cathedral was built on the site of an old Muslim mosque, and its foundation is closely linked to the Christian reconquest of the city. Initially, the building was designed to serve as the main center of Christian worship in Lisbon.
Lisbon Cathedral is a classic example of Romanesque architecture, but over the centuries it has undergone modifications that incorporated elements of other styles, such as Gothic, Baroque, and even Neoclassical. This combination of styles makes the cathedral an architecturally fascinating and unique place.
Alfama is the oldest and one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Lisbon, with a unique charm and a strong connection to the city’s history. Situated on one of Lisbon’s seven hills, this picturesque neighborhood is a true maze of narrow streets, alleys, and winding stairways, full of character and history. Alfama is a place where the past blends with the present, keeping the traditional soul of Lisbon alive while adapting to the changes of the modern city.
Alfama has roots dating back to Roman times, but the name “Alfama” comes from Arabic, derived from al-hamma (الحمّة), meaning “hot lands” or “hot waters,” referring to the thermal baths that existed in the area during the Muslim period. During Islamic rule, Alfama was the neighborhood where the lower social classes lived, making it a place of great cultural and social diversity.
After the Christian Reconquest in 1147, Alfama remained a popular and largely unchanged neighborhood, despite the growing urbanization of Lisbon in the following centuries. The neighborhood survived the devastating 1755 earthquake, making it one of the few places in the city to preserve its original medieval architecture. Even during the major urban reforms of the 19th and 20th centuries, Alfama maintained its authentic character, which makes it one of the most beloved areas for both visitors and residents of Lisbon.
Alfama is undoubtedly one of Lisbon’s most fascinating neighborhoods, rich in history, culture, and authenticity. Whether for its medieval architecture, narrow streets, breathtaking views, or the music of fado, Alfama offers a unique experience for anyone wishing to explore the deepest roots of the city. Walking through its streets is almost like traveling back in time and discovering the true colors and sounds of Lisbon.
Commerce Square, also known as Terreiro do Paço, is one of Lisbon’s most iconic and grandiose squares, serving as a central point of the city both historically and culturally. Located on the banks of the Tagus River, the square offers stunning views of the river and the Cais das Colunas, and is surrounded by majestic buildings that tell the story of Lisbon. With its vast open space and neoclassical architecture, it is a must-visit location for anyone in Portugal’s capital.
The history of Commerce Square dates back to the 18th century and is directly linked to the post-1755 earthquake period, one of the most catastrophic events in Lisbon’s history. The 1755 earthquake, which destroyed much of the city, led to the reconstruction of the Baixa Pombalina, a large area of Lisbon completely redesigned by the Marquis of Pombal during the reign of King Joseph I.
The site where Commerce Square now stands was previously occupied by the Royal Ribeira Palace, the residence of Portuguese kings until the earthquake. After the palace was destroyed, the decision was made to build a large public square that would symbolize the new Lisbon rising from the ashes of the disaster.
The square’s design was commissioned to architect Carlos Mardel, who, together with other architects and urban planners, created the current layout of the square. Commerce Square was officially inaugurated in 1775.
Belém Tower is one of the most iconic monuments in Lisbon and Portugal, and one of the city’s main tourist attractions. Located in the Belém district, the tower rises majestically on the banks of the Tagus River, symbolizing the Age of Discoveries and Portugal’s maritime greatness. It is also a remarkable example of Manueline military architecture and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Belém Tower was built between 1514 and 1520, during the reign of King Manuel I, the monarch who promoted overseas expansion and oversaw the height of Portuguese maritime exploration. It was originally conceived as a defensive fortress to protect the entrance to Lisbon’s port, strategically positioned along the Tagus. The tower also served to monitor river traffic and act as a symbol of Portugal’s naval power.
Beyond its defensive role, Belém Tower functioned as a departure point for maritime expeditions and was used for various purposes over the centuries, including as a prison and lighthouse. It is part of a complex of monuments that includes the Jerónimos Monastery, also in Belém, both linked to the golden era of discoveries and the expansion of the Portuguese empire.
Belém Tower is one of the most representative monuments of Lisbon and Portugal, a testament to a time when the country dominated the seas and expanded across the world. Its Manueline style, historical functions, and central role in the Age of Discoveries make it a true gem of Portuguese heritage. Visiting Belém Tower allows you not only to explore Lisbon’s history but also to relive the glory of an empire that left an indelible mark on world history.
The Monument to the Discoveries is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the grandeur of the Portuguese Empire during the Age of Discoveries. Located on the banks of the Tagus River in Belém, the monument pays tribute to the navigators, explorers, and historical figures who played a crucial role in Portuguese maritime expansion in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is a true celebration of Portugal’s history and the impact Portuguese explorers had on the world.
The Monument to the Discoveries was originally built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, one of the key drivers of Portugal’s great exploratory voyages. The architecture of the monument is shaped like a ship and is adorned with historical figures who were essential to the Age of Discovery, including Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral, Fernão Mendes Pinto, and others.
The monument was designed by architect Cottinelli Telmo, with sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida responsible for the figures. Its initial construction was made of concrete and covered with stone, creating an impressive form that resembles the prow of a caravel (the type of ship used during the Age of Discoveries), pointing toward the river as if sailing into the unknown.
The Monument to the Discoveries is more than just a monument: it is a celebration of Portugal’s maritime history, a testament to the legacy of Portuguese navigators, and a symbol of adventure, courage, and exploration. When visiting the monument, tourists can not only admire its architectural grandeur and breathtaking views but also reflect on the impact of Portuguese discoveries on world history.
The Jerónimos Monastery (or Monastery of Saint Jerome) is one of Lisbon’s most iconic monuments and one of the finest examples of Manueline architecture, the late Portuguese Gothic style influenced by the Age of Discoveries and the height of the Portuguese Empire. Located in the Belém district, the monastery is also a symbol of the era of great navigators and one of the city’s main tourist attractions, having been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
The Jerónimos Monastery was founded in 1501 by King Manuel I, the monarch who promoted Portuguese maritime expansion and commissioned the construction of this grand monastery in honor of Santa Maria de Belém. Its construction lasted about 100 years, finally completed in the early 17th century, and it was intended to house the monks of the Order of Saint Jerome, whose mission was to pray for the king’s soul and the success of maritime expeditions.
The monastery was built during a period of great splendor for the Portuguese Empire, at a time when the discoveries of new lands and trade routes were transforming the country into a global power. Belém was chosen as the site for the monastery due to its proximity to the Tagus River, a strategic area for maritime expeditions, and as the departure point for many of the voyages of discovery.
The Jerónimos Monastery is more than just a religious building; it is a monument to history, faith, and Portugal’s national pride. Its impressive architecture, association with the Age of Discoveries, and historical significance make it one of Lisbon’s greatest cultural treasures and a must-visit site for anyone exploring the city. Visiting the monastery allows visitors not only to admire a splendid example of Manueline architecture but also to immerse themselves in one of the most defining periods of Portuguese history.
Historically, Rua Nova do Carvalho was a more bohemian area, known for its lively atmosphere and, at certain times, for prostitution and nightlife, which contributed to a somewhat controversial image of the neighborhood.
However, in recent decades, especially since 2010, the area has undergone a major revitalization and urban renewal process. The street, once plain in appearance, was transformed into a vibrant meeting point with the application of pink asphalt along its entire length, making it one of Lisbon’s iconic spots, now known as “Pink Street.”
This transformation was part of an effort to revitalize the neighborhood and attract a younger, international crowd, while preserving the area’s bohemian and alternative soul.
Pink Street is one of the most fun, colorful, and vibrant places in Lisbon, offering a unique experience for those wishing to explore the city’s nightlife. Its unmistakable visual style, relaxed atmosphere, and diverse array of bars and clubs make it a place that blends tradition and modernity, reflecting the transformation of the Cais do Sodré neighborhood into one of the capital’s most interesting cultural and tourist hubs. If you enjoy good music, creative cocktails, and a unique vibe, Pink Street is definitely a must-visit spot in Lisbon.
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